“House ordering is my prayer, and when I have finished my prayer is answered. And bending, stooping, scrubbing, purifies my body as prayer doesn’t.”
– Jessamyn West
Week 22 of the year is time to take stock of your home care and personal finances as summer approaches. For home care, focus on easy but impactful tasks like decluttering high-traffic areas, deep-cleaning windows, and preparing outdoor spaces for summer enjoyment. Mowing the lawn, planting flowers, or setting up patio furniture can enhance your property’s appeal and create a welcoming environment. If you care for others, such as elderly family members, ensure their spaces are safe, clean, and comfortable. Small changes, like organizing medications or adding grab bars in key areas, can make a big difference.
In personal finances, mid-year is perfect for a financial health checkup. Review your budget, track expenses, and adjust savings goals if needed. Consider automating bill payments and savings contributions to simplify money management. Evaluate your emergency fund to ensure it covers at least three to six months of expenses. If you have outstanding debts, prioritize high-interest ones and explore refinancing options for better rates. For a meaningful touch, revisit your financial goals, such as retirement plans or saving for a family vacation, and ensure they align with your values. A little effort now can provide peace of mind and set you up for a successful second half of the year.
Family Finances
Poor Charlie’s Almanac
Almanack of Naval Ravikant
Shopping smart – the well curated wardrobe
We’ve all been there. Standing stunned in front of a packed closet claiming we have “nothing to wear,” or discovering tags still attached to impulse purchases from months ago. Shopping for clothing can feel…
Research and review based college rankings – college planning and prep
Updated since 2/7/2018. Looking for more perspective on a college then check out Niche.com. Using comprehensive data available on U.S. colleges and universities, Niche.com analyzes data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of…
Virtual college campus tours – college planning and prep
Updated since 1/31/2018. Trying to check out what a college is like before taking a long drive for a campus visit then try CampusTours.com and YouVisit.com. These sites offer interactive maps and virtual tours…
Net price calculators – college planning and research
Updated since 1/3/2018. Calculation of the net price of colleges and universities is key to understanding what it will cost your student to attend any particular school. Googling “Net Price Calculator” with the College/University Name will likely…
Minnesota residential propane prices
Monitoring Residential MN Propane Price. Updated since 3/11/2017 Monitoring residential propane prices is crucial for cost-effective purchases. Keep an eye on market trends through online platforms, local suppliers, and government energy agencies. Track seasonal…
Online car sites for comprehensive car research
Online car research provides comprehensive tools and resources for comparing prices, features, and reviews, helping buyers make informed decisions when purchasing a vehicle. Online car sale sites are valuable tools for researching cars to…
Guardianship financials – ABLE accounts
Being a guardian for an adult with disabilities is a profound responsibility that blends care, advocacy, and love. It involves ensuring their safety, managing their healthcare, and making decisions in their best interest while…
π Day
π (Pi) Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) to honor the fascinating mathematical constant π (pi), which is approximately 3.14. Pi (π) is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle’s circumference…
Learning about parimutuel markets
Benefit from understanding parimutuel markets. While it’s not an endorsement by me to participate in them, studying parimutuel markets can provide insights into human behavior and market dynamics, enriching our critical thinking and analytical…
Arithmetic for a good year
Basic math for a well-rounded year. The five yearly math tasks—tax preparation, vacation planning, insurance, annual goals, and major purchases—were selected for their significant impact on long-term planning and financial stability. Tax preparation ensures…
Arithmetic for a good month
Basic math for a well-rounded month. The five monthly tasks—bills, savings and investments, health, vehicle maintenance, and social plans—were chosen for their essential roles in managing personal life. Bills ensure timely payments and financial…
Arithmetic for a good week
Basic math for a well-rounded week. The five weekly math tasks—entertainment budget, saving, household chores, exercise routines, and grocery planning—were selected for their impact on managing our personal life. Entertainment budget ensures fun within…
Arithmetic for a good day
Basic math for a well-rounded day. The five daily math tasks—budgeting, cooking, time management, fitness, and shopping have universal application and impact on daily life. These activities are essential for maintaining personal organization, health,…
Measured thinking on life insurance
For me, integrating life insurance into the overall family financial strategy complements a philosophy of balancing risk management and growth. It offers essential protection, ensuring a family’s financial security in unforeseen events. By choosing…
Contemplating the Roth IRA
Long-term growth, tax benefits, financial security. I did some research to gain a more updated comprehensive understanding of Roth IRAs today and their benefits, so I can continue to make informed decisions about my…
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Home
Lucky Bamboo
Growing and propagating Lucky Bamboo Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is not actually bamboo at all but a tropical plant related to the Dracaena family, native to the rainforests of…
Hearty DIY cleaning slimes & putty
These are fun, practical projects that actually works great for cleaning keyboards, car vents, remote controls, and other hard-to-reach crumb-filled surfaces. I’ve included a few versions here. Depending on…
Phalaenopsis Orchid
Growing and propagating phalaenopsis orchids Phalaenopsis orchids are the most beginner-friendly orchid available, yet they reward experienced growers with years of repeat blooming and genuine beauty. Known as the…
Cat safe plants
Cats are natural explorers, and for most of them, that curiosity extends straight to our houseplants and herb garden. While many common plants pose a real danger to cats,…
Important medicinal herbs for the home pharmacy
For centuries, long before modern medicine filled our cabinets with synthetic compounds, people turned to the natural world for healing. Today, a growing number of health-conscious individuals are rediscovering…
Budget-friendly flower arrangements
Finding ways to make flower arrangements accessible everyday pleasures to abundantly enjoy with no guilt or financial stress. The perception that beautiful flower arrangements require substantial financial investment often…
Site diagram of your house and grounds
A site diagram is one of the most practical tools a gardener can create. It does not need to be technically perfect — it needs to accurately represent your…
Determine your furniture preferences
Updated since 10/24/2023. Determining your furniture preferences is one more piece in the puzzle to defining your interior decorating style. It involves introspection, research, and a deep understanding of…
Exploring art preferences
Infusing your living spaces with a unique and personal sense of artistic style. Updated since 11/6/2023. Exploring your art preferences is a vital aspect of defining your interior decorating…
Discovering the Indian aesthetic
The Indian aesthetic in interior design celebrates vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and a rich tapestry of cultural influences. Interiors often feature bold hues like saffron, turquoise, and deep red,…
Exploring the Native American aesthetic
The Native American aesthetic in interior design honors indigenous traditions, craftsmanship, and a profound respect for nature. Interiors often feature earthy tones—terracotta, ochre, and deep greens—reflecting the landscape. Natural…
Exploring the Middle Eastern aesthetic
The Middle Eastern aesthetic in interior design is distinguished by its luxurious textures, intricate patterns, and vibrant color palettes. Interiors often feature rich hues such as deep blues, emerald…
Discovering the Asian aesthetic
The Asian aesthetic in interior design embraces harmony, balance, and a deep connection to nature, drawing from diverse cultures such as Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian traditions. Spaces…
Exploring the Lakehouse aesthetic
The Lakehouse aesthetic embodies a relaxed, inviting atmosphere that connects seamlessly with nature. Interiors often feature expansive windows, natural wood, and stone elements that echo the surrounding landscape. Comfortable,…
Discovering the French Country Aesthetic
The French country aesthetic blends rustic charm with refined elegance, drawing inspiration from the rural homes of Provence. Interiors feature weathered wood, distressed finishes, and natural stone, paired with…
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